Something in my head; Is it worth we do it?

[rckh]

Dear all:

I feel something in my head today; why we "Collecting" Rep? Are we truthly happy? Do we feel satisfty?

I started my collecting not too long; about 1.5 years. My first rep is purchase in china with my wife. HKD$200 only Daytona 116520 SS. I'm very happy at that moment; I feel exciting about it swapping second hand + crown engrave on glass at 6:00.
At that moment; I know nothing about movement, swiss made, ETA, AR......etc. But I'm very happy; I don't hestiate to SHOWOFF my flawly daytona in public train, bus anyway. (Sure for now, I know I'm stupid as everyone know I wearing a fake daytona). 2 months later, the crown can't screw in anymore & no fix in anyway. I started to looking for a more accurate & high quality daytona again. I found a guy selling a series of Rolex & his price is much much higher than the others. At last I purchase a 116520 SS A7750 from him. It work perfect for 2 months & at the same time I purchase a lot of Rolex book, magazine & surf through the internet to step on my path to the dark-side. In the 3rd month after I bought the Daytona; I strike again & purchase 1 2836-2 Submariner LV + 2836-2 Explorer II from my dealer at the same time....

I can't remember when or how I found RWG then RWI. I started to learn about movement, read most of the review from members, all review by ziggy. Now I know much more about watch; what is rep? what is movement? what is good? what is bad? As I learn more; I found more flaws on my watch & I feel not happy or satisfy with them. Last month I bought IWC Pilot chrono 3717 from Angus; is it good? Quite good but still have flaw. Last week I bought PAM 113 white dial from Mr.DSN; is it good? Very good but still have flaw.

These few days; several questions came up my mind: Is it worth to continue? Why I'm doing this? The most important is Am I happy with my reps?

Path of purchase a rep:
1.) Found my target (Exciting)---->2.)Doing a lot of research; reading "My target" reviews(Enjoying)--->3.)Found the Known-Flaw; ask myself can I get along with it (Struggling)--->4.)Found a dealer; reading His/Her review (Brain-Storming)--->5.)Email to dealer asking + quote price....(Waiting reply)---->6.)Decision making (Nerious)---->7.)Shipment arrived; flaw founding 8.)Problem fixing, servicing (long waiting)

Every rep in my collections (Daytona, LV, EXPII, IWC 3717) have their own flaws; not even one make me really feel truely satisfied. Except the most recent Mr.DSN PAM113 . I don't know is it my attitude problem or anything; I can't really found a so-call "perfect rep ". Will I still purchase rep? Maybe yes, Maybe No. I read a post yesterday from a member he mention about the buy GEN & Rep. Buy a Gen; u can sit in AD store try it ,feel it & enjoy it. U got a good, polite service, a hand shake or sometime a coffee. It's ready to rock & roll immediately when your gen out-of-box. No more problem fixing, No more waiting; No more annoying. Hey, but I know the truth is: we just need to spend 1/10 of the Gen prices to get almost the same outlook, Function watch. But, beside the price advantage, how many or how much suffer we should take? Is it worth?

I'm not here to blame anyone, anythings. I love watch & I love the process in learn & research. Just here to share my feeling with all folks here!

Best Regards,
Raymond

 

[Meridius]

As with so many things, it is the pursuit that gets me going. Getting there, or in this case, getting the watch can be a bit anti-climatic. Kind of like women, once you have the one you want, you always want another. I think guys are just hard wired that way - always the hunters. I will say though, in the case of watches, I do enjoy wearing them after I have attained them, it isn't quite the rush of the pursuit, but there is a sense of satisfaction and a good deal of admiration for a handsome and well designed watch on my wrist.

 

[pugwash]

reply reposted from RWG:

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

As it is, I'm not rich, and this hobby enthuses me and I love the learninating and studinating aspects as much as the photoage-takinating and reviewinataging.

However, motivation is waning a little as the community is getting used to the stuff we, the hardcore article posters, are posting. We're getting less reinforcement from the community than before and that's leading to a decline in enthusiasm and motivation.

How can you stop this? Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give Ziggy a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

If you don't keep us happy, we may all find hobbies that do and I for one would not be happy with that result.

Damn, this post seems to have been brewing in me for a while. Looks like it's escaped.

 

[HLB96]

Well said Pugwash.

 

[sub4me]

Ok heres my view on this. A rep is just that a rep, its fun, cheap, and a novelity. Your not gonna get that total satisfaction you crave from any rep, at least I don't. Only a gen watch can give you the fulfillment you seek and even then it often takes many gen watches to reach Nirvana.

Keep in mind no matter how much you spend, or how many times a dealer says this is the perfect version, or how many mods you do you will never find a perfect rep. Something will be wrong the pearl will fall off, the bezel won't line up, markers will fall off and on and on. So just enjoy them for what they are. Don't get yourself all wound up over little flaws as they will always exist and never try to convince yourself that this latest rep is gonna be the one to make you happy, it never does and will never replace the feeling of the geniune watch you really want.

 

[jkwhyd]

Well said Pugwash.

I second that comment.

jk

 

[Jake48]

reply reposted from RWG:

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby...

As it is, I'm not rich...

Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give Ziggy a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

Very nice Pug - I coudn't have said it better.

If I may I would say one more thing to rckh - They're reps man! No matter how modded, no matter how perfect, no matter how well they perform - a rep will always be a rep. If you are looking to get the same satisfaction form a rep as a gen - you won't - never -it's a rep man!

Have fun with collecting reps, it's a hobby - not an acquisition to building an empire.

 

[HLB96]

A rep is a rep and a gen is a gen. You are the only person than can judge if you are satisfied. In my opinion why would I spend thousands or tens of thousands on a gen watch. I have the money that I could buy gens if I wanted to. My wife tells me to buy gens over reps. My view is why should I spend that much money on something that tells me the same thing my cell phone, computer or car radio does or a cheap timex. The time. Even if you buy a gen, especially Rolex, you will still get asked is it real. My cousin is a successful attorney and he bought a Yachtmaster. My first question when I saw it , "is it real". I buy watches that I like the look of and off of others reviews, like By-Tor. It does not bother me that they are not 100% perfect. 99.9% of the population could not tell that you are wearing a fake. I would not buy any rep that I could not afford in real life, that is just asking to be called out. I also would worry if I had a gen of scratches , breaking the crystal, losing it, getting robbed because of it. If any of these things happen to my rep, oh well wasted $300 not thousands.I would only buy a less expensive gen, like say Movado, or certain Seikos.
This is just my $.02.

 

[WatchDude13]

Good topic.

I will say - No, it's not worth it.

I've blown too much money already on reps as I could have purchased another gen for what I've spent. I wear my gen 95%+ of the time now as I love not having to worry about being called out, love not having to worry about wearing it swimming or in the shower, love not having to worry about a bezel falling off or the movement quiting by a bump against the desk, love the feeling I get when I look at it on my wrist and it catches the light just right.

I'm a watch nut, thought reps would ease my desire for gens..... it has not.

I'm down to two reps, a DSN 005 & 113 and I still haven't decided if I'm keeping them or unloading. The 113 is in for repair and I haven't had it on my wrist in MONTHS (not the repair man's fault, I'm waiting on a frickin' moneybookers account to activate so I can buy parts and get it fixed), THAT is NOT fun!

I had fun when I was in the game, but I decided to take myself out and let others play.....

 

[willster]

:lol:
As the Pugster so eloquently put it …its about the experience…..the watches…the people……living…learning and enjoying…all of it……some people buy one watch and post every day….others collect many watches and only drop by to find their next acquisition….its what keeps one vital, interested and interesting…inspires youth …feeds the mind and the soul.....

 

[WatchDude13]

With all due respect, let me address these:

Even if you buy a gen, especially Rolex, you will still get asked is it real.

I've owned a Rolex for over two years. I have not once been asked if it is real, not ONCE! Maybe if I wore it to a middle school dance as a 13 year old, but I'm in my early 30s and I don't know why someone would ask if it were real or assume it were not.

I also would worry if I had a gen of scratches , breaking the crystal, losing it, getting robbed because of it. If any of these things happen to my rep, oh well wasted $300 not thousands.

With my deductible, if I'm robbed or it's lost - I too will waste $300 to get a brand new one. Insurance is key. Watches are meant to be worn and most gens can withstand a great deal of abuse (some reps can as well). They are meant to be worn and it is my guess a nice Omega, Rolex or Breitling can withstand a lot more abuse than any of us can throw at it.

 

[Jurgenk]

A lot of astute comments by pug, HLB and WD13.

The thrill does fade a little over time... but as some have said in other contexts, love is always just around the corner...

newer watches being repped, earlier reps getting refined, discovering new marques for the first time.

I agree with the sense of community, of hobby and shared pursuit. This is a great forum for that. You need a healthy dose of realism to enjoy these reps for what they are... essentially they are toys of varying degrees of quality. A certain dealer likes to sign his emails with "enjoy your new toys..." and that's really the right attitude.

You won't really be at peace with rep collecting if you have obsessive compulsive disorder. This will result in you having a frankenrep that will have set you back 25% of the retail cost of the watch by the time you're remotely satisfied. At that point you just have bragging rights-- of course the story and the "chase" will always win you the admiration of many in this community.

Like HLB I could buy myself a gen or two, but I don't really see the point or the value at the prices being asked. I appreciate the craftsmanship of the originals but knowing what I know about markups in the jewelry and watch business on the manufacturer and dealer side, I don't really feel like handing over $2000 for a Panerai steel bracelet that cost <$100 to make (obviously considerably more to design, market and distribute, but you get the idea.) Most jewelry is ultimately marked up 10-fold retail. Watches are not far behind.

One final comment-- reps are a great way to get to know the originals, appreciate their features / complications / design and quality, though indirectly. Many of us go on the buy the favorite gens we own reps for.... which end up being an intro to horology / repology.

 

[TheTokyoKid]

Well, I just like watches I guess.

I'm the opposite of some of you. I have spent too much money on Gens!!!

I think it is worth it.
Especially if you are buying a high-quality Rep. A DSN Pam is a quality steel case with the same movt as the real Pam. Sounds good to me. I am a watch nut. Since coming to Japan 8 years ago, I have bought a bunch of Japanese high-quality watches; Orient, Orient Star, Orient Royal, Grand Seiko, Citizen, etc. I have 3 swiss watches; 1 Epos, one Courreges, and a Gen Rolex Air King. What happens is, I wear the Rolex and not an hour goes by when some asshole has to point at it and say "Fake!" What the hell, I wear the Orient Star and people say "Nice watch." I wear the Rolex and they have to argue about whether it is real or not. Last week a guy says to me, "The way I know it is fake is because it ticks. " I told him to take a good look. The second hand sweeps! He didn't even look at it. Some people just want to be dicks. To be honest, the Epos and the Orient Star have the best cases out of all of those watches. I am a lecturere at a University. I certainly have a lifestyle that could support me having a Rolex. Why do people question it? There are lots of Reps here in Japan too. They all stink! There has never been a rep here worth buying! Plus, I have never seen an Air King rep from a Japanese vendor. Note* Recently the Gen Air-King prices went up a lot since they come with C.O.S.C. certification now. According to my vendor, the one I have is not certified. Who cares!

People are so skeptical today. Post a movie of a Gen Rolex on You-Tube and right away you will be spammed by people writing comments that say "fake!" LOL.

When people "call out" my Rolex, I just laugh and say, "Ok... sure, whatever." The next statement from them usually is "Oh wait... is it real?"

I only have one Rep. It is a Panerai Rep of the Radiomir 210. It is not nearly as nice as the ones DSN offers. No one ever calls me out on that one. I love it. I think it is great and came here looking for some more Reps. I would like a Rolex and a few more Pams. You certainly get what you pay for. Remember, a Diesel, quartz-operated watch costs about $150.00 here in Japan. An Orient Star runs you $660.00. Most of the reps from dealers here are priced between those two watches. Worth it to get a certain look I think.

I just really like watches. I collect and use them. As of today I have 14 watches, all Gens and only one rep. A few good-quality reps from the dealers here will fit in perfectly with my collection. Keep up the good work fellas.

This site is awesome and is where I turn to learn, relax and enjoy my nights after a stressful day at work.

 

[ganjamun]

I owned a gen PAM 048 & PAM 183. It was nice for a while but when I had it, sure I was happy... but I didnt think it was all that. I then sold my 183 since I needed cash and have lived with the 048 since. I got sick of the watch after about a year, as I read up more on PAMS, I wanted something bigger. The thing about Panerai is.... it's so addictive, I can't just own 1? My 48 is mad lonely! lol And I can't afford to be buying plenty of gens so.....

I started browsing rep forums (RWG first, then RWI) when I got burned by a local dealer here, I wont elaborate what happened. So I had to look for alternatives, I was pretty sure there are better, cheaper reps out there. I learnt so many things I never knew in just about 4 months. Thanks to all those who helped me out btw.

My first rep from RWI was Trevor's PAM 112 which was value for money, I modded it and its awesome! My 2nd was a DSN 201a. I tell you, owning a DSN really feels and wears like a gen. It's just a solid watch so you cannot really go wrong with a DSN. I have about 8 watches now and 2 more from DSN are coming.

But it all narrows down to how you feel. A gen will give you more satisfaction, thats true. But is it worth your money? That's for you to think about. But I think everyone should try and own at least a gen watch of their favorite model. I think if you wanna be in this rep game, you should try to lower down your expectations a little. Like someone said here, a rep will always be a rep... and you'll only be happy if you could accept it is one.

 

[watchlover]

The attraction of reps is more than the gen cause:
1. You get to 'play' with it more: it needs mods! *gasp* flaws
2. It feels 'naughty' :twisted:
3. It's cheaper than the gen *duh*
4. Look at rule #1 :lol:

With the gen, you only get to wear it... and that's it.

 

[WatchDude13]

You won't really be at peace with rep collecting if you have obsessive compulsive disorder.

I really think that is my problem!! OCD baby! At least my wife thinks so..... :lol:

I seriously wonder where some of you hang out where you can't go ANYWHERE without someone pointing at your watch and screaming, "FAKE". Are there seriously some middle schoolers here? Do some of y'all share a 2 bedroom apartment in the slums with 5 of your best friends? What gives?

This might come off in the wrong way, and I in no way mean for it to sound rude. I'm just wonderin'. I KNOW there are many professionals here that make a LOT more money than I do. There are some here that spend literally TENS of thousands on reps. I know this, but I'm curious as to why some can't go anywhere without 'being called out'. IF there are some young'ins here or some that are 'slummin it' while drawing straws to see who sleeps on the couch, that is cool too. Everyone has to have an interest, everyone has to have a hobby and everyone needs to start somewhere.

 

[HLB96]

Being called out with a Gen/Rep Rolex seems to be par for the course. My Boss is a multi-millionaire and as soon as I saw his Rolex I asked him if I could see it and if it was fake. If you read up at the Rolex forum or at TimeZone and there are instances of people with gens getting asked if it is real. Perception is also key. If you drive a pinto and step out with a high dollar rep, you have to expect to get called out. If you are over 30 and still live with your parents expect to be called out. I am a Financial Planner/Advisor and make well into 6 digits a year. I could buy gens but I have allready said that I perfer not to. To me there are bigger and better things I can buy that can not be replicated like these watches can. I think the calling out for the most part is on the Rolex brand. I also speak in generalalities not exacts. Not everyone is going to get called out. If you never get called out god for you, but I can guarantee you that people are thinking to themself "is it real".

 

[watchlover]

You won't really be at peace with rep collecting if you have obsessive compulsive disorder.

I really think that is my problem!! OCD baby! At least my wife thinks so..... :lol:

I seriously wonder where some of you hang out where you can't go ANYWHERE without someone pointing at your watch and screaming, "FAKE". Are there seriously some middle schoolers here? Do some of y'all share a 2 bedroom apartment in the slums with 5 of your best friends? What gives?

This might come off in the wrong way, and I in no way mean for it to sound rude. I'm just wonderin'. I KNOW there are many professionals here that make a LOT more money than I do. There are some here that spend literally TENS of thousands on reps. I know this, but I'm curious as to why some can't go anywhere without 'being called out'. IF there are some young'ins here or some that are 'slummin it' while drawing straws to see who sleeps on the couch, that is cool too. Everyone has to have an interest, everyone has to have a hobby and everyone needs to start somewhere.

LOL! That is true. My workplace is watch agnostic.. kid you not. People don't wear watches at all. I'm known as the 'watch lover' in my company, and AFAIK the only one, after the other one moved to a diff company :lol: . The only PAMs I spot belongs to our company prez, and some other dude who refuses to show it to me which makes it suspicious :lol: :lol:.

The company prez's PAM is gen though.. Our PAMs makes a great conversation piece.

 

[watchlover]

Being called out with a Gen/Rep Rolex seems to be par for the course. My Boss is a multi-millionaire and as soon as I saw his Rolex I asked him if I could see it and if it was fake. If you read up at the Rolex forum or at TimeZone and there are instances of people with gens getting asked if it is real. Perception is also key. If you drive a pinto and step out with a high dollar rep, you have to expect to get called out. If you are over 30 and still live with your parents expect to be called out. I am a Financial Planner/Advisor and make well into 6 digits a year. I could buy gens but I have allready said that I perfer not to. To me there are bigger and better things I can buy that can not be replicated like these watches can. I think the calling out for the most part is on the Rolex brand. I also speak in generalalities not exacts. Not everyone is going to get called out. If you never get called out god for you, but I can guarantee you that people are thinking to themself "is it real".

True, it's all about perception, how one carries oneself, and priorities.

 

[mjv]

reply reposted from RWG:

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

As it is, I'm not rich, and this hobby enthuses me and I love the learninating and studinating aspects as much as the photoage-takinating and reviewinataging.

However, motivation is waning a little as the community is getting used to the stuff we, the hardcore article posters, are posting. We're getting less reinforcement from the community than before and that's leading to a decline in enthusiasm and motivation.

How can you stop this? Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give Ziggy a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

If you don't keep us happy, we may all find hobbies that do and I for one would not be happy with that result.

Damn, this post seems to have been brewing in me for a while. Looks like it's escaped.

"nice post" "nice pictures" AND "that's funny.....couldn't resist and agree with the others ,well telt PW

V